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Leeds head coach Daniel Farke claimed City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" in their Premier League match at the Etihad

Leeds got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead before the interval

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

However, the visitors fought back after the interval after a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the restart

And with City visibly struggling to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and deliver new directions in the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

"I ask the assistant referee at this moment if you want to do something. Our options are limited"

"Unless we educate our players in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight matches to place them eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched less top-flight strikes this season

Strategic Changes

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure especially around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a bold decision at the half-time that almost reversed their fortunes

Talking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his team were only capable to regroup following Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

"At half-time we were in command. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair in attack and altered the formation a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the match. We got together on the side of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds United lost four straight consecutive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "our overriding emotion is disappointment", their second-half display offered enough proof to suggest they are able of halting their present run and moving up the table

"Displaying such a display should provide us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a great chance to earn the points," the manager continued

"We had the confidence prior to the match, throughout the game and following the game. Otherwise you can't come back with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

"Leeds United can derive a lot from this performance with the manner they have performed in this second period"

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently criticised for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

"It appeared like it might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City discovered a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"